Warriors’ DeMarcus Cousins ejected from Knicks game in street clothes

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 21: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates on the bench during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on October 21, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)

Photo: Justin Tafoya / Getty Images

NEW YORK — Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins has so perfected the art of getting ejected that he managed to get tossed from Friday night’s game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden while in street clothes.

With 2:28 left in the first quarter, Cousins started arguing with referee Scott Foster and persisted after Golden State called a timeout. Cousins, who is sitting out as he rehabs from a torn left Achilles tendon he sustained in January while with the Pelicans, was then assessed a technical and ejected. It was just the third time in the past 15 seasons that a player has gotten tossed from a game he didn't play.

"I think he was jawing with maybe (Knicks center Enes) Kanter, I think," Golden State head coach Steve Kerr said. "I asked Scott, and he said he had already warmed him, then (Cousins) kept going at Scott, I guess, so I’ll talk to him about it. I’ve got to hear from DeMarcus what happened, and we’ll talk it out."

Cousins started practicing with the team this week, but Golden State has yet to provide a timetable for his return to the court. This much is certain: When he does, referees will be wary of him.

In just 48 games last season, Cousins tied for the 14th-most technicals in the league with nine. His 115 career technical fouls since 2010-11 easily pace the NBA.

Connor Letourneau moved to the Golden State Warriors beat in September 2016 after a year covering Cal. Previously, he spent two years covering the Oregon State Beavers for The Oregonian. Letourneau is a University of Maryland alum who has interned for The Baltimore Sun and blogged for The New York Times. A Portland, Ore., native, he is interested in telling the stories that extend beyond the field or court.